What was missing in GOAT?

The much-hyped and celebrated thalapathy 68th film, GOAT has mostly completed its theatrical run, with the next mass-hero (with Jai Bhim-director) movie hitting the theatres this week. For all the anticipations GOAT generated, it appears that the box office run may not have crossed the benchmarks hit by previous blockbusters in Leo or even Jailer. 

So, what was missing which didnt propel the latest thalapathy offering to hit the target this time... 

  Good tamil film catering to purely tamil audience 

In reality, the movie has had a good run at the box office both in TN (not to forget high ticket prices at some places) and many overseas markets, largely reflecting the fact it is a good movie on average. Yet, what didnt work in other markets is the simple fact that it is a good 'Tamil' film rather than a good pan-India film. For those outside TN, neither the supporting stars nor the climax block involving CSK may have hit the right chords. Especially the latter being the final act (which is so crucial), could well have been a dampener for many emotionally attached IPL fans (supporting teams other than CSK). It's also obvious that the producers knew it and that's why chose to not have a wider release in all multiplexes in the north. 

  One-time watchable till the twists and turns are hot 

In today's era where the spoilers come out as soon as the FDFS interval time, trusting that the twists and turns alone would carry the movie so far is not right, especially given the distance it has to run at the BO unlike other small budget movies. What would rather matter is the experience of seeing those twists and turns on a giant screen, making every penny/second worth being spent at the theatres (even if it is for the repeat watch). In my opinion, the movie fell short in this regard largely due to an insipid background score... Even the superstar has acknowledged how his music director had turned an average product of his into an exhilarating movie experience, thanks to the magic of his background score...Needless remixes beginning from the first action sequence and an underwhelming background score that missed to elevate several cracking scenes, clearly failed to give you that sense of awe or goosebumps at the theatres... 

  Anticipations were unnecessarily hyped right from the choice of title 

While the makers tried to play a safe card by not over promoting the movie, the title by itself put them in a tight spot... With such a title, it is going to be a gargantuan task to live up to the name (especially after an impressive trailer) and it is what has exactly happened. A much simpler title might have made wonders actually. While it was definitely refreshing to see the acting skills/variations of the mass-hero with the dual roles he played, the movie as a whole wasnt the BEST to be touted as the GOAT in his career or in general. 

  Technology may not be a propeller for success at the box office 

Assuming the use of some path breaking technology might help garner some extra bucks at the BO is not always fair. It greatly depends on where and why it is used and whether it is worth spending. May be the dual action scenes warranted better technology, but not the de-aging stuff, atleast in my opinion. Hardly anyone would have cribbed if the two roles were differentiated with some minor physical differences and mannerisms... The use of technology here neither pulled in the audience or made them awe-struck when experienced! 

 In a nutshell, while the overall BO numbers do speak of a successful movie once again in thalapathy's career, it has failed to reach the greatness it aimed for... I just happened to come across the cafe scene in Leo recently. It's not the second time I have watched it nor am I a fan of violence/action. Still it reverberated so well inside right from the high action adrenalin kicking till the emotional vaccuum created at the last cut of a remorseful father having made the mistake of his life. Such highs were largely missing in GOAT. Probably, some cleverful writing with much more emotional connect, ably supported by some inspiring background music could have helped this to peak much greater heights! Hopefully the next (and probably the swansong) offering of our thalapathy fittingly becomes the GOAT in his career.